Finding myself in you

5.

I tossed my keys to Troy who smiled and got into my car. I then went into my apartment and saw my mom sitting there talking to Bryson. My smile slowly fell.

"Where have you been, Leighton!?" My mom's shrill voice shrieked.

"I went for a walk." I drew my eyebrows down.

"And what are you wearing?" Bryson looked me up and down in distaste.

"What I'm comfortable in. If you don't like it, you're welcome to leave." I snapped unwillingly.

"I recognize that hoodie.." my mom began to speak. "you were with Beckett." She scrunched her nose in disgust. My phone the dinged in my pocket, I glanced at it and saw it was Beckett and smiled slightly as I slid it back into my pocket.

"He needed a friend mom. I did too. You can't be mad at me for this." I shook my head in disbelief of the scene in front of me.

"Who just texted you?" Bryson asked me, an angry look on his face.

"That's none of your business, Bryson. I didn't invite you here today so I don't know what you're doing." I shook my head as I exhaled a breath.

"You have Bryson and Adrianna. You don't need him Leighton." My mom continued to drill me. "who texted you?" She added backing up Bryson.

"Beckett." I rolled my eyes. "now I'm going to bed. Goodnight." I nodded as I began walking up the stairs.

"Leighton, give me your phone." My mom spoke. I whipped my head around to her.

"What?" I snapped back as anger began to rise inside of me.

"Give me your phone." She deadpanned as she glanced to Bryson with a look of admiration.

"Why?" I drew my eyebrows down, not understanding the situation.

"I don't want you around or talking to Beckett again. Give me your phone." She spoke flatly. I laughed bitterly as I threw it onto the couch.

"Keep it. It won't stop me from being his friend mom."

I then stormed up the stairs and plopped down onto my bed. I grabbed my MacBook and looked at my messages from Beckett.

Becks: Hey, Leighton. Thanks for being so stubborn and coming back today. It means a lot. I've missed you a lot.

Me: no problem. Sorry if I don't reply. My mom took my phone.

Becks: oh shit. Why?

Me: I was with you.
Bryson was here with her when I got home.

Becks: oh. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to get you in trouble. Does she still not want us to be friends?

Me: nope. But I couldn't care less what she thinks. I want you in my life Beckett. You're my best friend and I couldn't live with myself without you.

Becks: oh. Ditto. Goodnight Leighton.

Me: goodnight Becks

I reached under my bed for my notebook and realized I left it on the table. My heart dropped. The eulogy. I shook my head as I laid down onto my bed. My hair still tied above my head, still clothed in Beckett's hoodie and sweats. I kicked off the tennis shoes and slowly fell asleep. I woke up a couple hours later to the sounds of screaming and glass shattering. My dad's home.

"Claire, quit throwing shit. Leighton is upstairs asleep!" His hushed voice boomed.
Not anymore.

"She will be just fine, Charles!" My mother shrieked.